Frugal Living Challenge 2011 - part 1

never_too_old

salski wrote: »

Oh and I just attempted my first ever bread making attempt!! Its currently rising! Wish me luck!

good luck, let us know how it turned out, my attempts have got better with practice.

Erme

cw18 wrote: »

And I've just phoned my mobile provider. Minimum contract term expires 10th of next month, and would automatically revert to the £15/month 'deal' I'm on - except I've had a £10/month loyalty discount for the last 18 months, so I've only been paying £5

Asked what the best price was they could offer for me to stay with them, and was told the £5 rate was the best they could do - but they were happy to extend the loyalty discount if I sign up for another 18 months, rather than being in a position I can just give 30 days notice. As this was what I was hoping for I accepted the offer :T

I don't get a new handset by doing this, but that suits me fine. I paid £20 for a new one in Sept/Oct as I needed a smaller one for running pants pocket - and buying it as a PAYG handset was cheaper than getting an upgrade, which would have pushed up the price of my contract. While I don't want a new 'high-tech' phone, it seems this will continue to be the way to go when I need/want a new one

This is what I would do only I wanted a handset that would 'iron and do the dishes' so I paid for one on PAYG (speaking of treats - don't feel so fab about it today - it'll be an utter waste once the novelty has worn off :eek: and no I can't take it back cos it was PAYG and like I used it) - but what I did find out from the store that automatically (well so long as I renew the contract) my line rental (including internet I believe) will go down less than 1/2 if I keep my handset in June..

Personally I'm one of those folks who finds myself craving a new handset after about a year and I seem locked in 18 mth contracts - so why pay for the handset in the contract anyways? If you do the maths you'll probably find you're paying double that of the PAYG handset over 10 months or so....I knew what I wanted (it was the same as what I wanted last year but actually downgraded last year) and so I got whilst it was cheap - cos come June it'll be two more handsets down the line and I'll be kicking myself for not getting this one at a reasonable price...

Also check the cashback sites on mobiles for a quote on contracts before you sign anything. On my current contract yeah, I pay through the nose but I get 17months in cashback. That's how desperate they are to shift some of your basic handsets!!! There can't be that much profit on a £20 handset now can there? Not compared to one say £100? We are living in tough economic times...people (unless they're fickle) I reckon are more likely to go for the £20 handset..a phone is a phone - unless ya text addict. (which I confess I am :eek: again)

Anyhow - that's why I wasn't around yesterday - spent ages downloading apps...of course I got all the geeky free ones but I'm not going to tell you what they are to avoid temptation (PLEASE don't repeat my actions guys)

Also just been to Mr A and notice they have mince pies down to 50p for an 18 pack = CAKE FOR THE WEEKEND

Anyhow have to go now

Blessings

E

richacol

NSD thats the third this week. Within budget and money left, Perhaps I'm doing something wrong :beer:

slowlyfading

salski wrote: »

Oh and I just attempted my first ever bread making attempt!! Its currently rising! Wish me luck!

Ooh let us know how it went! I do want to attempt bread at one point, but it's just one step at a time

Another NSD for me today - yay! :j :j it's not making much impact though as both me and OH have had to renew our car insurance this month so it's been quite expensive.

I think we're going to go walking tomorrow, so that's another nice way to spend the day We're going to take some sandwiches with us so there'll be no spending then either I don't think. Just want to relax!

ceridwen

Laushappy wrote: »

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Err...Minnie...I presume the idea from Laushappy about buying clothing, wearing it and taking it back for a refund was a JOKE - and not a serious suggestion. We dont do immoral on this thread - so just take it Laushappy WAS joking...:)

Of course i was kidding!!!:rotfl::rotfl:[/QUOTE]

Ah...thats okay then:). I'm a very serious being and don't always "get it" when people make jokey comments...

rubytuesday

Well shoot me now as I have had a spendy day today although really it has been spendy spavy!
I went to a new shop called Tiger and bought some more glass jars to stop the moths getting at my provisions like they did last year. I also bought an elephant teddy cushion as I bought one for an upcoming birthday present for a four year old girl and my daughter loved it - never mind that she is eighteen but it is really chic, so a present for her but a want, a bargain at two quid though. I also bought a lovely photo frame for three quid - a need really as one of mine is broken.
I popped into Wilkinsons which I have never been to here (it's huge!) and bought a half price storage box (want, need?) some cheap men's socks for Valentines day to cause embarrassment,(spaving) some new placemats (a need really) and some cheap loo roll (need soon:rotfl:) and then I popped into Smiths for some files ( I will stop stuffing paperwork haphazardly in the drawer -need) some blank cards reduced (spave) and an Encyclopedia Of The Sea And Wildlife rrp fifty quid reduced to four for OH's birthday (spav) so not too bad once I'd assessed the damage.
'Home Alone Dinner' will be bubble made with left over mash and a fried egg so nothing spent on food today.

rubytuesday

Good luck Salski that Hugh Fearnley what's his name's recipe is fantastic if you did that one. Best bread I've ever made forgotten who the kind poster was -sorry!

Erme I've had the same handset for years - I am such a Luddite; get a reduction on my contract instead but I may upgrade this year and sell it.

never_too_old

rubytuesday wrote: »

Good luck Salski that Hugh Fearnley what's his name's recipe is fantastic if you did that one. Best bread I've ever made forgotten who the kind poster was -sorry!

Erme I've had the same handset for years - I am such a Luddite; get a reduction on my contract instead but I may upgrade this year and sell it.

story of my life, easily forgotten , i use it daily now and it gets better every time i make it.

Barros

I had better than a NSD today ... I found £4 so although I spent 89p at lunch, I am +£3.11 from where I started, yay

NualaBuala

Happy Birthday 23rdSpiral!




Am very impressed at all the NSDs! :T I had a just a tiny spend today on busfare and a charity donation. The busfare was from a 30 day pass but I now save teh money it would have cost me if I paid cash so I have the full amount ready to buy a new one when this one has run out. I am going to do the same for stamps - so I will have enough saved to replace my book of stamps when the time comes. My friend bought me a cup of tea, so nice of her so that saved me a few quid. I was tempted to buy some stuff in the organic market but reigned myself in because really I have plenty in and I want to live off my stores for a while. :A

Hope everyone is ok - big hugs to anyone who's struggling. x